By Bill Parry
Two men were arrested and charged in Queens Criminal Court with raising money to fund terrorist activities last week, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.
In the announcement, Brown said the two men have been charged with conspiring to solicit aid in support of the Taliban and al-Qaeda groups fighting American troops in Afghanistan.
Humayoun Ghoulam Nabi, 27, a Pakistani living in Elmhurst at 84-16 Elmhurst Ave., and Ismail Alsarabbi, 33, a Kuwaiti living in Brooklyn, were arraigned on charges of attempting to provide material support for an act of terrorism and conspiracy, the DA said Oct. 10.
The arrests capped a three-year investigation by an undercover NYPD officer.
The two were alledgedly plotting to start a nonprofit to raise funds to buy boots and winter clothing to help extend the so-called fighting season in Afghanistan, according to authorities.
“The cold weather gear and electronics that the pair sought to provide could have endangered the safety of Americans as much as supplies of guns and ammunition,” said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.
The defendants face up to seven years in jail if convicted.
Brown said “it is important that local law enforcement do its part, in close coordination with our state and federal counterparts, in the fight against terrorism.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry be e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538
